Empowered with Opportunity

• Original Idea Voted on by New Yorkers: A project to equip people who are unemployed with skills and knowledge to apply for jobs, conduct an interview, and utilize professional social networking platforms.

• Implementing Organization: Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York

• Neighborhoods: Queens Village

• Funding Amount: $195,000

The responses below are directly from the community organizations selected to implement The People’s Money projects.

How does your organization plan to bring this idea to life?

KCS will implement this project in Queens Village by partnering with local organizations to conduct targeted outreach and recruit eligible individuals within the neighborhood. The project aims to equip unemployed and underemployed individuals with essential job skills workshops and digital training, preparing them for future careers. We will assess each participant’s learning progress and job readiness skills through pre- and post-training surveys during their participation and offer one-on-one counseling to provide personalized support and help them secure meaningful employment. Through participation in this project, clients will gain the necessary skills for the career they pursue and develop greater confidence in themselves.

What motivated your organization to apply to implement this idea?

KCS workforce development has extensive experience assisting unemployed individuals with skill development. We believe this project positions us to expand our service to Queens Village residents and help those in need secure their ideal job through these valuable opportunities. Digital skills and job readiness are critical for our target population (Limited English Proficiency individuals, seniors, and youth), whom we aim to primarily serve through this project. We believed this project would be a great support to the residents who need to develop new skills, enhance their knowledge of the American workplace, and to people who want to overcome the unemployment gap. Our priority is to help these individuals recognize their value, embrace their barriers to employment, and regain confidence in their skills.

How do you think this project will make a difference in your community?

Many individuals face growing challenges in keeping up with technological advancements, which can hinder their ability to remain competitive in today’s workforce. We think the opportunities this project offers to Queens Village residents are not only vital to the local economy but also serve as a powerful motivator for unemployed individuals to continue developing themselves, pursue new careers, and overcome barriers to employment.

List at least one thing you're excited about related to this project!

We expect that unemployed individuals will regain their confidence and be able to secure employment by the end of this project. Many individuals in our community are eager to learn and explore new career paths. However, without access to targeted training, taking the first step can be challenging. This project is designed to bridge the gap by providing training in key job skills, interview strategies, and building their confidence. By the end of the project, participants will be better equipped to enter the workforce and obtain meaningful employment.

How can someone participate or stay up to date on the project?

Community members can learn more about this project through ongoing outreach efforts throughout the Queens Village neighborhood, where our team will actively share information and connect directly with residents. We will participate in local events, collaborate with community organizations, and distribute multilingual materials to ensure accessibility for all. In addition, updates about the project, upcoming workshops, and enrollment opportunities will be shared regularly through our social media pages and newsletters. Interested individuals can also contact our Workforce Development Department directly to receive personalized guidance, learn about available training sessions, and explore how to get involved in the program.

Website: www.kcsny.org
Instagram: @kcs_ny
Facebook: @kcsnewyork
LinkedIn: @kscny
Twitter/X: @kcsnewyork